Arriving at Dean Qian Duoduo's office, Zhou Sichen gently knocked on the door. From inside came Qian Duoduo's voice: "Just a moment."
Hearing that, Zhou Sichen remained quietly at the door, waiting patiently.
After a while, the door opened, and a reserved-looking middle-aged man stepped out. As he passed by Zhou Sichen, he couldn't help but glance at him again—such a handsome young man was a first even at this academy.
Qian Duoduo's voice came again: "Come in."
Zhou Sichen gave a polite smile to the teacher and was about to step inside when the man suddenly seemed to remember something. He turned around and called out, "Student, are you Zhou Sichen?"
Zhou Sichen paused in his steps and looked back at the teacher. He was sure he didn't know this man, yet the man had called his name with such certainty.
Maintaining his smile, Zhou Sichen nodded. "You know me, sir?"
The man smiled. "I was just talking to Dean Qian about you."
In truth, Fan Yu didn't personally know Zhou Sichen, but among the things Qian Duoduo had said while describing him, there was one detail that stuck with him:
This boy was not only exceptionally talented—his looks were outstanding. No one else in the academy could compare.
His skin was more delicate and smooth than even the prettiest female students. If he dressed as a girl, who knew how many young ladies would feel ashamed in comparison?
The moment Fan Yu laid eyes on Zhou Sichen, he'd been briefly stunned.
Seeing such an unfamiliar yet handsome face, especially dressed in the Inner Court uniform, he'd quickly made the connection.
At that moment, Qian Duoduo popped his head halfway out from the doorway. "Sichen? If I'd known it was you, I would've let you in right away!"
"Come in, come in! Perfect timing—Teacher Fan Yu was just about to look for you!" Without hesitation, Qian Duoduo grabbed Zhou Sichen's arm and led him into the office. At the same time, he said to Fan Yu, "No need to head out anymore. You can discuss everything with Sichen right now."
The three of them entered the office one after the other. As they walked, Qian Duoduo said, "Sichen, next time you come by, there's no need to knock. If I knew it was you, we wouldn't have wasted all that time."
Zhou Sichen kept his smile. "Understood, Dean Qian."
Once seated, Qian Duoduo turned to Fan Yu and introduced him, "This is Teacher Fan Yu, Director of our Soul Tool Department. Other than myself and Dean Xian, he's the third Class 8 Soul Engineer we have."
"Fan Yu's talent with soul tools even surpasses mine and Dean Xian's. It's very likely he'll one day become a Class 9 Soul Engineer."
Hearing Qian Duoduo's high praise made Fan Yu—a rather straightforward man—somewhat embarrassed.
Not that Zhou Sichen needed the introduction. The moment he heard the name "Fan Yu," information about the man had already surfaced in his mind.
In the field of soul tools, excluding the Sun Moon Empire, there was likely no one more naturally gifted than Fan Yu in all three of the original Douluo Continent's empires.
Even Qian Duoduo and Xian Lin'er would step aside when it came to this man. If Fan Yu could break through to Rank 90 and become a Titled Douluo, there was a good chance he'd be the next dean of the Soul Tool Department.
One of Zhou Sichen's goals today—besides borrowing something from Qian Duoduo—was to speak with Fan Yu about soul tool crafting.
In that field, Fan Yu was miles ahead of the half-baked Qian Duoduo.
Hearing Qian Duoduo's introduction, Zhou Sichen feigned surprise. "So you're the famous Teacher Fan Yu? I've long heard of your reputation, but I haven't had a chance to visit until now."
Seeing a prodigy like Zhou Sichen showing such humility, Fan Yu couldn't help but feel a little awkward. He waved his hands quickly, "You flatter me, you flatter me."
Qian Duoduo cleared his throat with a cough. Is this guy serious? He didn't act like this back in Sea God's Pavilion.
Also, I'm a Class 8 Soul Engineer too, you know. And a Titled Douluo! Why don't I get that kind of attention?
"Ahem," Qian Duoduo said, "Sichen, Fan Yu and I were just discussing you. You've already reached Class 4 as a Soul Engineer at such a young age—that's extraordinary talent. With a good mentor to guide you, your progress will be tremendous."
Fan Yu nodded repeatedly from the side. A student this talented—he'd dreamt of teaching someone like that.
Zhou Sichen replied, "Dean Qian, Teacher Fan Yu, I actually came here today regarding soul tool crafting as well. Looks like we were all thinking the same thing."
Hearing that, Qian Duoduo and Fan Yu exchanged glances and smiled.
Qian Duoduo patted his chest and said, "Whatever you need, just ask. Fan Yu and I will fully support you."
Zhou Sichen didn't waste time and got straight to the point. "I heard that Dean Qian has a List-Carving Knife. I'd like to borrow it."
At those words, Qian Duoduo gave an awkward smile and turned to look at Fan Yu, who spoke up, "Dean Qian lent that knife to me. If you want to use it, it's yours anytime."
After a pause, Fan Yu added, "But the List-Carving Knife is different from a standard carving blade. Using it properly requires immense concentration and skill. You've only just reached Rank 40, so you may not be able to fully handle it yet."
"In other words, if you can't control it well, it might be better to stick with your own blade for stability."
Zhou Sichen nodded slightly. He hadn't thought of that, but since he was already here, he might as well give it a try, right?
"I understand, Teacher Fan Yu. But I'd still like to give it a shot. Besides, since you'll be there to supervise, I doubt anything will go wrong."
Fan Yu thought for a moment and then nodded. "Alright, no problem."
Qian Duoduo watched this exchange and couldn't help but feel like a third wheel. With a sigh, he said, "In that case, Fan Yu, why don't you take Sichen to your lab? You two can discuss things on the way."
It was obvious that Zhou Sichen had come specifically for that List-Carving Knife. And Fan Yu had just been planning to find him anyway. Now that the two had met, there was no need for him to say much more.
Still, he couldn't help but feel a little heartache over that knife. He'd paid a steep price to get it back in the day. And now, not only had he barely used it, but it had also caught the eye of this little brat, Zhou Sichen.
What if this kid brazenly asks to keep it—should I give it to him or not?
He hadn't even been willing to give it outright to Fan Yu—just loaned it. But Zhou Sichen was different: gifted, powerful...
If giving up one knife meant keeping Zhou Sichen at Shrek Academy, then it would be worth it.
He just hoped it wouldn't be a total loss...
Zhou Sichen and Fan Yu exchanged a glance. After thanking Qian Duoduo, the two left the dean's office together, leaving Qian Duoduo behind—alone and a little melancholic.
****
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